Dantewada (Chhattisgarh) [India], Oct 31 (ANI): For the first time, people of Tailem of Katekalyan block will be casting votes in the village itself as the Election Commission is preparing to set up polling booths there. Voters of this village, located in the interiors and naxal dominated, have been exercising their franchise in other parts due to absence of a polling booth.
Inspector Salim of Katekalyan block police station said that all preparations are going as per schedule, despite warnings and threats posed by the Naxals asking people not to vote.
"We are trying to ensure that polling takes place here. Forces from other areas have also come to assist us. It is true that Naxals exist in this area and they have been campaigning and advocating against participation in elections; sometimes even scaring the locals in such a way that they desist from casting votes. However, we are prepared to face all challenges," he told ANI.
According to the police officer, locals are being persuaded to cast their votes by enlightening them about the benefits of voting.
A 20-year-old local was delighted that he would be voting for the first time. In the same breath, a 50-year-old voter, who had earlier voted in a neighbouring village, explained that locals were now opposing Naxal activities and siding with the police.
There are 18 Naxal-affected constituencies which will go to polls in the first phase scheduled on November 12. The rest of the 72 constituencies would go to polls in the second phase on November 20.
Counting of votes will be done on December 11.
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